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Phils win key challenge in ninth to help preserve win

Overturned call on tag at second erases potential tying run for D-backs

By
Jesse SanchezMLB.com

PHOENIX -- Martin Prado, representing the potential tying run for the D-backs, slid past second base and was called out after an initial safe ruling was overturned on a challenge by Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg in the bottom of the ninth inning of Philadelphia's 6-5 win on Saturday night.

Prado, who led off the ninth with a single off Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon, advanced to second base on a passed ball. Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz recovered the ball and threw it to second baseman Chase Utley, who kept his glove on Prado after the slide.

PHOENIX -- Martin Prado, representing the potential tying run for the D-backs, slid past second base and was called out after an initial safe ruling was overturned on a challenge by Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg in the bottom of the ninth inning of Philadelphia's 6-5 win on Saturday night.

Prado, who led off the ninth with a single off Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon, advanced to second base on a passed ball. Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz recovered the ball and threw it to second baseman Chase Utley, who kept his glove on Prado after the slide.

"[Ruiz] had a lot of hustle there and a great throw and then a heads-up play by Chase to apply the tag and keep the tag on," Sandberg said. "It was hustling play. He could have very easily put it in his pocket, but he made it fairly close and it ended up with a big play."

Prado was initially called safe but was later called out after the review.

"I slid to close to the base. My foot just came off the base a little bit," Prado said. "He tagged me at that time. This is not the time to make excuses right now. This is a lack of a lot of things. I'm trying not to feel bad about myself. Things happen. It's just unfortunate we lost the game. We lost a real good game."

Papelbon then struck out Paul Goldschmidt looking and got Miguel Montero to fly out to end the game and secure the victory for Philadelphia.

"We had our view early that he was off the base and the tag was still applied," Sandberg said. "As soon as I got back, that's what we thought with our review. It was a big play in the game, no question about it. It was a big review."